After New York Islanders' owner Charles Wang announced that the hockey team that currently plays at the Nassau Coliseum would be relocating to Brooklyn, many locals had something to say.
Patch asked residents on the Bellmore Patch Facebook page what they thought of the decision to move following the 2015 season.
Stephen Weisman thinks the relocation to Brooklyn is pleasant news.
"I'm happy about it," he said. "Its better than moving to Kansas City. I won't be able to go to as many games, but if they moved out of state I wouldn't be able to go to any games. Hopefully with this move, they could become a better franchise and sign elite free agents!"
Bill Tomba's concerns lie with the future of the Nassau Coliseum, which will host the Islanders' home games for three more years.
"I'd like to know what they're going to do with that eyesore plot of land," he said. "Will Hofstra or [Nassau Community College] want to divvy it up? It would only make sense."
Chris Mueller is happy that the team is staying local, but he is concerned regarding the economic impact of the Islanders leaving Nassau County.
"With the islanders out of the Coliseum, lots of jobs will be lost," he said. "Nassau Coliseum is a long island landmark. People voted against a new coliseum because of the minor tax increase it would have caused. Guess what, now our taxes are going to go due to lack of revenue and maintenance costs."
What do you think of the Islanders' announcement that they will be leaving Long Island? Tell us in the comments below.
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